Blotched foxface
📖 Overview
Inhabits rich coral areas of lagoons and outer reefs, often among staghorn corals . Small juveniles occur in schools of up to a few hundred fish, larger juveniles and adults occur in pairs. Feeds on seaweeds .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 7; Anal soft rays: 9; Vertebrae: 13. Color the same as in S. vulpinus except for the blackish spot posteriorly on the upper side of the body. Caudal peduncle only slightly incised. Spines stout, pungent, and venomous. Preopercular angle 109°-119°. Variable cheek squamation; usually covered with scales, 7-10 rows deep below center of orbit, occasionally a few scattered scales present below eye; a triangular area from lower edge of orbit to angle of mouth always fully scaled. Fully scaled midline of thorax.: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blotched foxface is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range ? - 30 m , usually 1 - 30 m . Tropical; 30°N - 30°S North West Shelf, Western Australia.
🌿 Ecology
seaweeds (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Blotched foxface is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.7 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 119 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Blotched foxface has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lo unimaculatus | Evermann & Seale | 1907 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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